A BUS service will resume on a trial basis on Sunday after a solution to ongoing crowd management problems was agreed between Stagecoach Manchester, TfGM and Manchester United.

The 255F service from Chester Road to Piccadilly Gardens, which was temporarily stopped as a result of surging crowds leading to unsafe conditions for fans, will resume as United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford.

Stagecoach Manchester has worked with Manchester United to put in place additional security staff and crowd control barriers, to help prevent buses becoming over crowded.

Elisabeth Tasker, Stagecoach Manchester managing director, said: “Safety is always our number one priority and the solution we have found allows for safe travelling conditions for match going fans.

“We did not take the decision to stop the service lightly, but our hand was forced due to numerous incidents which included our inspectors being assaulted. We will continue to make sure all of our employees have safe working conditions and are happy to have found a solution which provides this.”  

A TfGM spokesperson said: “The 255F is a popular and well used service for many United fans.

"We’re pleased that an agreement has been reached to reinstate it and concerns regarding the safety of bus operator staff and all those who use it have been addressed.”